5 Safety Tips for Every Hike

5 Tips to Ensure a Safe Hike

With the weather warming up, members of the Jackson community find themselves hitting their favorite nature trails to stay active. The health experts at St. John’s Health are here to share some tips to ensure that you’re effectively prepared when you hit the trails this summer.

1. Create an Emergency Plan

Whether you’re a professional rock-climber or you’re hiking for fun, accidents can happen. This makes it important to develop a plan just in case there is a medical emergency while you’re out on your hike.

Always pack a first aid kit that allows you to clean and dress minor wounds on the way back from your hike. In the event that someone becomes seriously injured and can’t walk, ensure that you have a way to make a call for help. If you know you'll have no cell service, be sure to bring a flashlight and a whistle as a means to alert others that something is wrong.

2. Pack the Essentials

When packing for your hike, it’s important to stay prepared for whatever you may need while exerting yourself during hotter temperatures. Be sure to pack the following items in your bookbag:

• Snacks like fruit, jerky, and granola bars
• A water bottle or water pack
• Sunscreen
• A map of the area
• A portable battery
• A phone charger
• A knife or multi-purpose tool

3. Wear the Right Gear

When embarking on a hike, it is important for you to dress appropriately, not only for the activity at hand but also for the weather. Remember to pack or wear the following clothing items and accessories when preparing for a hike:

• Hiking shoes or boots
• Sneakers with good tractions
• Sunglasses with UV protection
• Loose-fitting, breathable clothing
• Light-colored clothing
• A brimmed hat
• Well-fitting, moisture-wicking socks

3. Stay on the Trail

While more experienced hikers may be tempted to deviate from the marked trails and paths when embarking on a hike, it is pertinent to your safety that you stay on the trail. Whether you get hurt or lost, it will be much harder for rescuers to do an off-trail search to find you.

3. Download the Backcountry SOS App

Before heading out for a hike, download the Backcountry SOS app. This simple-to-use smartphone app allows you to quickly share your status and location information to emergency personnel. Available for use anywhere text-to-911 is available, this free app is available for both Apple and Android smartphones.

Family Care in Jackson, Wilson, and Teton County

From family medicine to internal medicine, our Primary Care Providers (PCP) are here to openly listen to your concerns and work with you to achieve overall better health and wellness. Visit our website to see the types of primary care we provide or to find a doctor, today!